Eighteen years. RCB wins IPL 2025 That’s how long Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their army of fiery fans have waited for this very moment – to win a first Indian Premier League (IPL) title. And on an unforgettable evening in Ahmedabad, RCB smashed their title curse and made history with a six-run win against Punjab Kings in a final that is certain to be part of IPL folklore.
The Journey: From Heartbreak to Glory
RCB’s quest for their franchise’s first title has been a tale of hope, heartbreak and unwavering belief. Since the league started in 2008, RCB have been a serious contender for the IPL title. They have reached the final on three occasions (2009, 2011, 2016) and come close on each occasion. For 18 seasons, they have
The Final: Kohli Leads from the Front
The final at the Narendra Modi Stadium turned out to be a tight, see-saw match. RCB, batting first, made 190-9 in their 20 overs after a calm 43 from the man this franchise has been built around, Virat Kohli. Batting at the top of the order, the man set the pace from the start with a mix of aggression and control, holding the innings together until he was the fourth man out, having taken his team a long way toward 200 runs.
Phil Salt made a rapid 16, whilst there were handy but unspectacular contributions from the middle order. RCB had a late collapse which helped some late fireworks from Arshdeep Singh. He bowled the final over of the innings and took 3 wickets to help RCB finish on 190, which was arguably the right total.
In reply, Punjab Kings hit trouble early, and by the 13th over struggled at 98-4. Even though they had a late onslaught come from Shashank with
Virat Kohli: The Beating Heart of RCB
There’s no talk of an RCB wins IPL 2025 without Virat Kohli. Not only has Kohli played for RCB since 2008—he is the only player to have done so, but his experience with RCB parallels the team’s journey: full of excitement, heartbreak and, ultimately, redemption. Kohli has amassed more than 8,000 runs, marginally above 18 seasons and 267 appearances, including eight hundreds and 63 fifties, as the all-time run-scorer in the IPL.
Once again, Kohli has performed prominently for RCB this season, who finished as the team’s leading run getter with 657 runs in 15 innings and an average of marginally above 50. Kohli’s knock of 43 was the core of RCB’s innings in the final—an appropriate representation of a man who proudly gave his “youth, prime and experience” to the franchise over the years. “If I was…” Kohli began to say, visibly emotional, following the match, “It was ten times more special for me because of those two being of done it with.
Honestly, I know how much we tried to win this as a team. I have spent my prime years with those two. I know how much we tried to win this… And this feels ten times more special because those two are standing next to me. It is as much theirs as it is mine.”
A Title for the Fans
For the RCB supporters, the trophy was more than just a title; it represented justice for a community of unquestioned dedication. Kohli wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post: “This team made the dream happen, a season I will never ever forget. This one is for the fans of RCB, who never ever stopped supporting us in the darkest of days. This is for all the heartbreak and disappointment over the years. This is for every last ounce of sweat and effort put in on the field”.
The Legacy: More Than Just a Win
RCB’s first-ever IPL title isn’t just a story of grit, passion, and loyalty. It tells the tale of a team that wouldn’t back down, a fan base that never let go, and a player who put the significance of the team above himself. To Virat Kohli, their victory means not just the end of a career, but fulfilling a commitment – to himself, to his teammates, and to millions of supporters alike.
As the celebrations carry on in Bengaluru and beyond, there is one term that can be guaranteed: RCB’s win in 2025 will be recognized as one of the great stories of IPL – a story of taking risks, following your dreams, and showcasing the power of community and love between a team and its fans.
Ee Sala Cup Namdu!
This year, and forever, the cup belongs to Bengaluru.
